Learner Handbook

LEARNER HANDBOOK
Name of RTO / QUEENSLANDCOLLEGE OF MUSIC PTY LTD
RTO Number / 40821
CRICOSNumber / 03466G
ABN Number / 57164451012
Phone Number / 07 319 185 32
Email /
Website /
Key Personnel / Name: / Position: / Contact details:
Matthew Kim / CEO / 3896 1588
Susan Kim / Director / 0409888714
Mandy Yen / Administrator / 31918532
Registration
Details / Ourscope oftrainingislistedat onVocationalEducation andTrainingin Australia.
As a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) we comply with the VET Quality Framework (VQF), which comprises:

the Standards for Registered Training Organisations 2015
the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF),
the data provision requirements,
the Fit and Proper Person Requirements, and
the financial Viability Risk Assessment Requirements.

Purpose of this Handbook / The information contained in this Handbook is to enableclientsto understand their rightsand responsibilities and ensure ease of access to all the relevant information. This Handbook will help you makeinformed decisions and developanunderstandingregardingtheassistanceavailable.
The aim of the QueenslandCollege of Music Pty Ltd is to:

Support learners to gain personal excellence in music and to develop high levels of musicianship while living and working in communities in a manner that reflects Christian values.
Provide qualifications and statements of attainment to an increasing number of learners who are inspired to develop knowledge and skills which prepare them for employment and lifelong learningin the Music Industry.
Use a consultative approach with learners, trainers and industry to allow for continuous improvement
Maintain records and evidence in an accurate, confidential and current manner
Provide quality training and assessment specialising in the Music Industry
Employ staff with the necessary qualifications and currency and with opportunities for ongoing professional development

We strive to ensure all learnerswho complete a qualification with The Queensland College of Music will have gained the necessary skills and personal attributes considered essential for gaining employment and participating effectively in the MusicIndustry.
The Queensland College of Music focuses on providing opportunities for everyone to achieve their learning outcomes by ensuring its practices are inclusive. The Queensland College of Music undertakes all activities in an ethical manner; honestly, fairly and with a duty of care for the skill development of each individuallearner.
GENERAL INFORMATION
Vocational Education and Training (VET) / Vocational Educationand Training(VET)is ‘educationand trainingfor work’and part of abroadereducationalnetworkinAustraliathatincludesschools,universitiesand adult andcommunityeducation.
AUSTRALIANQUALIFICATIONSFRAMEWORK (AQF)
RTO’ssuchasusofferVET certificates within theAustralianQualificationsFramework (AQF). TheAQF isAustralia’ssystem ofnationallyaccreditedvocationaleducationand training.This framework provides the standards for Australian qualifications.It describes the outcomes for learners in each level and type of qualification and the pathways to and through formal qualifications.
VET QUALITY FRAMEWORK
The Queensland College of Musicis a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), which means our courses are accredited under the VET Quality Framework (VQF).
The required standards are defined in the VET Quality Framework (VQF). The regulatory authority audits RTOs to ensure compliance against these standards.These standards and the auditing process are intended to provide the basis for a nationally consistent, high quality vocational education and training system.You can find the current version of these conditions and standards at .
The Queensland College of Musicadheres to this system and does all within its power to remain compliant. From time to time industry representatives, trainers, third party partners andlearners will be surveyed and their cooperation will assist this organisation in remaining compliant.
Enrolment / Prior to course commencement, the client is required to undertake an audition to enable the RTO to determine their knowledge, skills and experience in the Music Industry and so ensure individual talent is fostered, individual learning goals established and application for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) submitted. After the audition clients will complete an Enrolment form. This enrolment data is maintained on an AVETMISS compliant program.
All learners enrolling in a qualification with QCM Pty Ltd will be required to supply the College with a Unique Student Identifier (USI).
Follow the steps below to create your USI account.
Step 1 –Get at least one form of ID from the following list

Driver’s licence
Medicare card
Australian Passport
Birth certificate – full certificate required
Others-

Visa for international students, Certificate of Registration by Descent, Citizenship Certificate, ImmiCard
Step 2 – Go to and click on Create your USI
Step 3 – Agree to terms and conditions
Step 4 – Fill in your personal and contact details
Step 5 – Enter the requested details as shown on your form of ID
Step 6 – Set your USI account password and questions for security
Step 7 –Your USI will now be displayed on the screen
Step 8 – Write down your USI in a safe place or enter into your phone
Step 9 – Your USI will also be sent to you by email, phone or to your mailing address
Step 10 – Provide QCM Pty Ltd with your USI number at time of enrolment
On completion of the Enrolment form and participation in the Induction you will be asked to sign that you have read this Handbook and understand your rights and responsibilities.
Once enrolled into a course, the learner will be provided with a timetable and those materials appropriate for the enrolled course.
Course Information /

COURSE AIMS

Clients seeking enrolment in music qualifications should have a love of music and a desire to increase their instrumental or vocal skills. The course aims to provide participants with an opportunity to improve their musicianship within their selected specialist field. The course focuses on time to practise individual skills, to create, to perform as a member of a group and to evaluate and enhance knowledge and skills within a safe and supportive environment. Students will gain knowledge of the Music Industry and employability skills to equip them with skills relevant to the workplace.
Clients are able to enrol in CUA20615 Certificate II in Music Industry, CUA30915 Certificate III in Music Industry, CUA40915 Certificate IV in MusicIndustry or CUA50815 Diploma of Music Industry according to their current knowledge, skills and experience as a musician. Details relating to each qualification can be found on the website Information is provided on the duration of each qualification. Learners will be required to undertake additional hours of personal and group practice and performance as well as study time to complete assessment requirements. Individual learning needs are continually reviewed and new goals established to ensure improved musicianship.
Course Delivery / Face to face to instruction will take place in training rooms supported by practice rooms and access to recording areas. Individual instruction will be provided to students according to their specialist instrumental or vocal interest. Guest speakers and specialist musicians and representatives from the Music Industry will support the training staff.
The focus of the program is on notation, composition, individual and group performances, critical reflection on performances and musicianship. Specialist areas of study may include classical and contemporary piano, violin and flute, drums, guitar, vocal and choral performances. Students will be required to perform on at least three occasions in front of an audience
It is intended that learners will complete a minimum of three units of competency per term. Clients can enrol for individual units. A learner who completes less than the total number of competencies will receive a Statement of Attainment.
Course Fees / Learners will be invoiced per term. The first term will include course fees for the term, administration and resource costs for the full program.These charges are non-refundable.
The following information can be found on the website:

the total amount of all fees including audition fee, course fees, administration fees, materials fees and any other charges
RPL charges
the cost for individual units of competency
the fees and charges for additional services, including such items as issuance of a replacement certification documentation, studio fees and additional individual lessons for instrumental and vocal studies

Refund policy / First term course fees including administration and resource costs for the full program are non-refundable. Once fees and charges are paid for a term they will not be refunded.
No refund is paid if a learner fails to attend for the term. Once enrolled in the term learners need to be committed and complete at least three units of competency per term. If they withdraw, they can choose to enrol in another term within a twelve-month period or leave and receive a statement of attainment.
The following information can be found on the website:

payment terms, including the timing and amount of fees to be paid and any non-refundable administration fee
a guarantee that if the RTO is unable to provide services for which the learner has prepaid, the learner will be placed into an equivalent course with an appropriate provider or if an equivalent course cannot be found the learner will be refunded any pre-paid fees for services yet to be delivered

Relevant Legislation / The Queensland College of Musicwillcomply with Commonwealth and State legislation and regulatory requirements relevant to its operations. All staff and clients are to be informed of legislative and regulatory changes that affect the services delivered by QCMPty Ltd. Legislation includes but is not limited to:
 WorkplaceHealth andSafety
Anti-Discrimination including equal opportunity
The National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011
Standards for Registered Training Organisations 2015
Copyright
Privacy
Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) / The safety of trainers/assessors and learners is of primary importance. The Queensland College of Musicobserves all WHS legislation. No trainer/assessor or learner is to place themselves or other people in a position that contravenes WHS requirements. You have obligations to complete all training in a safe manner.
Access and Equity / The Queensland College of Musicis committedtoaccess andequityprinciplesandprocesseswhichrelateto admissions, deliverymethods, assessmentandsupportarrangementsforlearnerswith literacyandnumeracyneeds. Clientselectionisnon-discriminatoryand equity principlesareappliedthroughthefairallocationofresourcesandtheopportunityfor alllearners toparticipateinVETtrainingwithoutdiscrimination. Qualifiedsupport staffisavailabletoassistlearnerswithspecial needsand all trainers/assessorsand learnersare requiredtoadheretoouraccessandequitypolicy.
The QueenslandCollege of Music-
promotesaccesstoemploymentandtrainingforallpeopleregardlessofgender, socio-economic background, disability, ethnicorigin, sexual orientation, age or race
ensures training services are delivered in a non-discriminatory, open and respectful manner
trains all staff members so that they are appropriately skilled in access and equity issues
provides reasonable access to learners of all levels
conductslearner selection for training opportunities in a manner that includes and reflects the diverse client population
provides culturally inclusive language, literacy and numeracy advice and assistance that help you in meeting personal training goals
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Transfer / The College recognises and accepts AQF qualifications and Statements of Attainments issued by other Australian RTOs. Under national recognition guidelines, the Queensland College of Music recognises the qualifications issued by other Australian RTO’s and will grant an exemption for all previous training resulting in a competent result where the unit of competency can be identified . Clients are required to indicate their intention to apply for exemption at the time of enrolment and will be informed regarding the results of their application and any further evidence required.
The Queensland College of Music provides opportunities for clients to seek RPL and credit transfers.
Credit Transfer means credit towards a qualification granted to clients on the basis of outcomes gained by a client through participation in courses or training with another RTO.Credit Transfer is available to any client enrolling with the QCM Pty Ltd.
RPL is an assessment process that assesses the individual's non-formal and informal learning to determine the extent to which that individual has achieved the required learning outcomes, competency outcomes, or standards for entry to, and/or partial or total completion of, a qualification.Clients may apply for RPL on the basis of previous and or current experiences or training in the Music Industry. All trainers/assessors have the capacity to offer clients the opportunity to apply for RPL. Clients are required to indicate their intention to apply for RPL upon enrolment and complete the required documentation. They will then be informed as to the results of their application and if any further evidence is required.
RecordsManagement / Files are stored for the legislated period of time and electronic files are backed up regularly.
Information concerning contact details, financial status, academic status, attendance status, registration details, identification details, evaluations, feedback, and surveys are all confidential and stored securely. Information collected is confidential and will not be disclosed to third parties without your consent, except to meet government or regulatory authority requirements.
Clients have access to personal records upon request. In all cases the Queensland College of Musicwill require proof of identity to protect the privacy of all client information.
You are obliged to keep the Queensland College of Music informed of your current contact details and to inform us immediately of any change in these details. Clients should be advised that if they do not receive any correspondence due to incorrect contact details they are fully responsible.
Plagiarism, Collusion, Cheating / Definitions
Plagiarism– Is to take someone’s words or ideas or other materials and present them as your own.
Collusion – Is an understanding or agreement between two or more people to intentionally cooperate to gain an unfair advantage in assessment and may include.
Unauthorised and unacknowledged joint authorship in an assessment task
Unauthorised and unacknowledged copying or use of material prepared by another person for use in assessment
Cheating in an assessment – Is to seek to obtain an unfair advantage
Referencing - Referencing is a standardised method of acknowledging the sources of information and ideas and other material used in an assignment.
The Queensland College of Music requires learners to submit work that is their own, and considers that plagiarism, collusion and cheating constitute academic misconduct for which reassessment may be requested. If you wish to express a complaint or appeal an assessment decision you are to follow the Queensland College of Music’s complaints/appeals procedure.
Countering plagiarism, collusion and cheating is the shared responsibility of staff and learners. Trainer/assessors:
are responsible for explaining referencing, and for identifying and reporting plagiarism, cheating and collusion.
must not engage in any activity whereby they knowingly collude with learners for the purposes of plagiarism and/or cheating on a set assessment task.
must report suspected plagiarism to the ChiefExecutive Officer (CEO) of the College.
The learner must:
avoid plagiarism by clearly referencing the use of words or ideas or other materials of other people in an acceptable format
not present work done in collusion with another person or persons as solely their own work.
not engage in any situation whereby the learner knowingly attempts, or assists another learner to attempt, to gain an unfair advantage
submit written assessment pieces, including journals with the assessment booklet signed by the learner(s) to attest that the work submitted is their own and that they are aware of the relevant policy and procedure on plagiarism, collusion and cheating.
Some methods for avoiding plagiarism include:
developing referencing skills
giving credit whenever youquote from someone's actual spoken or written words or use another person's ideas, opinions, or theories in an assignment or essay or make use of statistics, graphs drawings etc
using quotation marks around everything that comes directly from a text or article
summarising ideas and arguments in own words - don't just rearrange a few words here and there
checking that original ideas are correctly paraphrased and acknowledged
checking summary against the original text
Complaints and appeals / Any person wishing to make a complaint against QCM Pty Ltd concerning its conduct as an RTO or appeal an assessment decision shall have access to the complaints and appeals procedure. Separate interviews will be held with both the person making the complaint and the person the complaint is about. The procedure describes the steps in lodging an informal complaint or appeal and a formal complaint or appeal.
Informal complaint or appeal:

the initial stage of any complaint or appeal shall be to communicate directly with a representative of QCM Pty Ltd who if able to resolve the issue, will make a decision and record the outcome
person(s) dissatisfied with the outcome of the complaint or appeal to the representative may then complain or appeal to the Director, who if able to resolve the issue will record the outcome. The Director will at this time review the evidence used to make an assessment decision in the case of an appeal.
person(s) dissatisfied with the outcome of the complaint or appeal to the Director may initiate a ‘formal complaint or appeal’.

Formal complaint or appeal:
The formal complaint or appeals process is implemented if a grievance cannot be resolved informally. All formal complaints and appeals will be heard and decided within 10 working days of the receipt of the written complaint/appeal.
An independent person or body, independent of and external to QCM Pty Ltd, will be appointed to hear the external complaint or appeal. The person or body will:

have no personal or professional interest in the outcome of the complaint or appeal
have no influence on QCM’s policy development or organisational structure
be financially and administratively independent of QCM Pty Ltd.

QCM Pty Ltd will appoint such private conciliator, mediator or dispute resolution counsellor to hear formal complaints as required. The complainant/appellant shall be given an opportunity to present his/her case to the independent person or body and may be accompanied by one other person as support or as representation. A decision will be communicated to all parties in writing within 5 working days of the decision.